Skoda Fabia vs Subaru Levorg
What's the difference?

Skoda Fabia

$24,690 - $33,485

2024 price

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Subaru Levorg

—

2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Summary

2024 Skoda Fabia

2020 Subaru Levorg

By Chris Thompson

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.0L/100km (combined)

8.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Playful and capable
Ergonomics and ‘Skoda’ touches
Fresh exterior design

Mean looks
EyeSight safety
Wagon practicality

Dislikes

Interior styling still looks sub-$30K
Low-speed DSG hesitancy
Rear seat space

Doesn't perform to STi promise
Ride can be brutal
Expensive, frequent servicing

2024 Skoda Fabia Summary

The smallest car in Skoda’s local line-up is also its most affordable, but only just.

When the current generation Fabia launched with the halo Monte Carlo variant at almost $40,000, it was a bit of a surprise for a small hatch from what’s seen as an affordable brand.

Now, there’s a new entry-level version of Skoda’s bub and, while it’s not nearly as cheap as it once was, it offers a choice that’s more within reach for anyone keen on a premium small car.

Can the Fabia Select convince customers looking at the likes of the Mazda 2 or Suzuki Swift to go Euro and cross the $30,000 threshold?

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2020 Subaru Levorg Summary

Need proof that the humble wagon is now the domain of the enthusiast? Subaru tells us the top-spec performance oriented STI Sport is its best-selling variant.

The Levorg is an odd one indeed, a seemingly unnecessary addition to Subaru’s wagon-heavy range in a world where mass consumerism has shunned low-slung bodies in favour of pumped up SUV-types. Practicality be damned.

The trouble with appealing to enthusiasts though, is you’d better get it right, or you’ll face a backlash. So, does the Levorg have what it takes to build one of those money-can’t-buy hardcore fanbases?

I took the Levorg STI for a spin around the heart of Subaru country in the Kosciuszko National Park at the height of winter to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Skoda Fabia 2020 Subaru Levorg

Verdict

Once you get past the shock of the Fabia no longer being a sub-$25K car (because let’s face it, what is anymore?), the fact that it remains refreshingly simple to live with and engaging on the road should be celebrated.

It has its downsides if you need space, and you can buy a light (or even small) SUV for the same price, but you’ll be compromising in other areas.

The Skoda Fabia can’t do everything, but what it can, it does well. Plus, it’s certainly less common than the similarly priced Toyota Yaris.

Verdict

The Levorg STI Sport is a niche car that flies so close to true greatness. It’s a bucket load of fun… but not fun enough for the true enthusiast. A practicality, equipment and safety hero… but too brutal to be cross-shopped with an SUV… It’s an awesome car that’s just too narrow in its appeal to find a large audience. One thing is for sure – it will be interesting to see what Subaru does next with the Levorg badge.

Skoda Fabia vs Subaru Levorg What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Skoda Fabia vs Subaru Levorg
What's the difference?